Free Round the Clock by Dara Girard Page A

But the moment the girl saw her, she smiled. “Let’s get out of this place.”
    Anna Marie crawled into the backseat. Desmond sat beside her.
    “What are you doing?” she whispered. “You’re supposed to be up front with her.”
    “Why? Is this seat reserved?”
    Dana spoke up. “Is there a problem, you two?”
    He rested his arm around Anna Marie’s shoulders and covered her mouth with his hand. “No.”
    Dana started the car and Desmond let his hand fall. As they drove his hand slipped down to the front of her blouse.
    Anna Marie turned to him and said in a quiet voice, “You said you like trouble?”
    “No, I said Trouble follows me.”
    “How about pain?”
    “I don’t like pain.”
    “Then I suggest you remove your hand.”
    “Give me a break. In only a few months I’ll be eighteen then I’ll really get into trouble messing with girls like you.”
    “Not if you behave yourself.”
    “I find that difficult.”
    “I can teach you.” She pinched him hard.
    He yanked his arm away. “Lesson learned,” hesaid, then closed his eyes and fell asleep. As they rode he leaned against her then slowly his head rested in her lap. Anna Marie didn’t know if she should push him off or let him sleep. She looked to Dana for help, but she kept her gaze focused on the road. So Anna Marie let him sleep, pleased to have him near her. When they reached her house, Anna Marie had to wake him. For a moment he looked up at her, surprised, then his smile returned. “Stay out of trouble,” he said.
    Anna Marie nodded and got out. Dana handed Anna Marie her suitcase. “I know that sounds ironic coming from my cousin, but he means it.”
    “Your cousin?” Anna Marie stared at Desmond, who stood on the other side of the car grinning.
    Dana looked at him. “What story did you tell her?”
    “I don’t know what you mean,” he said.
    Anna Marie pointed at him. “You lied.”
    “How else was I going to get you to come with me?” He saluted then disappeared inside the car.
    Dana sighed wearily. “Talk about a black sheep. Take care of yourself.”
    Anna Marie nodded then watched them drive away.
    Back at school, Anna Marie ducked every time she saw him and he was never without a girl at his side. Now, years later, she couldn’t hide. She didn’t want to.

Chapter 8
     
     
    D esmond took her hands and lifted her to her feet. “I don’t believe it,” he said, measuring her with his eyes. “Anna Marie Williams all grown up. You still look like you can get a man in trouble.”
    “No, you were the only one.” She folded her arms. “Does that make a difference?”
    “You mean the fact that you’re the reason I spent two weeks in HH? No.”
    “You’ve done well for yourself.” She sat down, her hand burning from his touch. “No longer getting into trouble.”
    He laughed. “That’s only a matter of opinion. It’s nice to see you again. What are you doing here?”
    “My inheritance.”
    Desmond blinked. “Oh, right. Yes, now I remember.” He went behind his desk and sat. He opened a folder then handed her a legal-sized envelope. “Let’s start with this.”
    Anna Marie looked at the worn item tied up with a blue ribbon. She knew of only one person who used to do that. Before she touched it, she knew who it was from. The pain of the loss hit her. She’d always imagined Mrs. Bell alive but the envelope told her she was dead. Anna Marie took it, undid the ribbon and carefully opened it.
My dear little Anna Marie,
     
    If you are reading this letter, you already know that you are now the sole heir of everything I possess. I am both happy to do this, but sad that I couldn’t be there to see you one more time. I failed you years ago and hope that I can make that up to you now. I trust you as I’ve never trusted anyone and I’ve always considered you to be my daughter.
     
    Yours with love,
     
    Mrs. B
     
     
    Anna Marie let the letter fall to her lap, too stunned to do anything but sit there. She hadn’t